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I know roses may be a bit off topic, but I consider them like my flowers.

I bought knock-out roses last year. They did well for awhile and then suddenly something started eating the leaves quickly! I tried a couple of things; marigolds next to them, sprayed with Safer product. Eventually they were very sickly and I just let them go.

Well, this year they were growing very well and now have flowers. But Lo and Behold - again!! Something is eating the leaves - I am just not sure what it is since I do not see any bugs. But I believe it has to be bugs and not a virus?

A few days ago I tried the remedy of baking powder, water and liquid dish soap. Unfortunately, the leaves are still being chewed up.

My knock out rose bush is 3 to 4 years old and currently has new reddish leaves about to unfurl. There are lots of older leaves that look really bad. I don't see bugs. I'm going to put some compost and worms casts around it and water it in well, just in case it's a nutritional issue and give the new leaves a boost. I'm wondering if the early hot spell then freezing temps damaged older leaves, maybe yours too? Later, when the Japanese beetles come out, oh boy, another battle is on....

I wish I could help with an organic method, but the only way I have ever been able to get a nice healthy looking rose bush to grow is with the systemic rose feed and insecticide granules. I stopped using it last spring and have a sickly black spotted yellow leafed bush. But it does have some pretty blooms. I figger the japanese beetles will strip off the leaves when they arrive.

sanderson, That looks like blackspot without the spot. Have you tried a fungal spray? Spray with sulpher or Kocide (copper) every 10 days. Spray both sides of the leaves. That usually beats back the blackspot.